Doing more with less has become the norm in local government.  Out of this have come new ideas that present challenges to operations, staff, and the ethics litmus test.  

In this case study, the council proposes seeking public donations in an effort to restore city services.  While local governments have utilized private donations for one specific project, initiating a public fundraising campaign can get very tricky, and potentially very unethical, very quick.  Focusing on sound public policy, execution and accountability, and transparency -- as the article advises -- might allow the proposal to happen.